BE INSPIRED
Wedding Celebrants: What Do They Do And Do I Need One?
BE INSPIRED
Wedding Celebrants: What Do They Do And Do I Need One?
On 19th July 2022, the Law Commission published its final report into wedding law reform in England & Wales. It is now in the hands of the Ministry of Justice, which has until July 2023 to submit its full response, which could see wedding celebrants granted legal powers to perform weddings in England and Wales.
Gemma, North East Celebrant
- Celebrant Weddings are as popular as ever for 2023, why do you think this is?
There are so many new wedding venues popping up, and as celebrants can perform ceremonies in any venue it opens up a whole new world of possibilities. Registrars are so busy and often unavailable on your date too, so it gives couples the freedom to have their wedding at the time they want.
- Tell us a little about what your job on the day entails?
The day itself is the easy bit! I usually arrive at your venue an hour beforehand, ensuring everything is set up as we’ve discussed. I chat with guests, pin buttonholes and straighten chairs. Once guests are seated I make sure both parties are ready to start.
MY COUPLES DICTATE THE START TIME. IF THAT MEANS HAVING A QUICK SHOT OUTSIDE WITH THE WEDDING PARTY BEFORE WE START TO CALM THE NERVES, THEN SO BE IT! 
GEMMA, NORTH EAST CELEBRANT
After your ceremony I’ll leave your certificate or any keepsakes with your card box and gift table, and I always ensure I grab a big hug and selfie before sneaking away to let you enjoy the rest of your day.
- If you could do your own wedding ceremony all over again, what would you change?
I’d have a Celebrant! When we watched our wedding video for our 10th anniversary, the registrar's tone was so mundane, she barely looked at the script, she knew it word for word. It was so impersonal.
- We’ve heard you have been involved in some pretty unconventional ceremonies, describe one of your favourites…
Lots of cosplay weddings, shots of tequila with the couple, Mexican wave and group selfies. Anything goes, and I'm totally up for it!
- Describe your personality in three words…
Reliable, confident and calm
- Describe your absolute dream ceremony…
Seeing my couples and their families have fun in their ceremony is the real dream.
Jo Stott, Love Jo Ceremonies
- Tell us a little about a Love Jo Ceremony?
I will capture your magic and create your dream ceremony, making it unforgettable and filled with meaning, love and laughter – literally reliving your love story so far and include the people who mean the most. Who wouldn’t want to be celebrated in this way?
WHAT MATTERS MOST TO ME IS WHAT IS IMPORTANT TO YOU. JO, LOVE JO CEREMONIES
- Tell us one fact about a celebrant union that most couples probably don’t know
Google searches for ‘wedding celebrant’ have overtaken ‘wedding registrar’ in the UK recently with the laws on the cusp of changing, so I am currently working with a number of local business offering more support to couples as they work out their options.
- Three words that describe your ceremonies
Every wedding ceremony is so different, but I can tell you that the incredible people who come to us wanting an inclusive, edited version of the best day of their lives so far filled with individualism, love, emotion and laughter are the most spectacular people.
- Where is your favourite ceremony space? (you can have a few!)
I perform wedding ceremonies around the UK so I see so many incredible spaces, but in the North East I have two special loves – Wylam Brewery and Woodhill, they both do weddings so beautiful in their dreamy spaces.
Due to the law reform conservations being had currently, there are so many venues which are popping up offering incredible offers to couples – I am currently working with these venues supporting couples in their choices.
